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PalenQ, thanks so much – that’s a great piece on Oxford by such an observant writer who had time and leisure to experience Oxford in a way that most of us passing through cannot.

Loved her ending about trying to recapture the wonderful friendship between Sebastian Flyte and Charles Ryder during their heady days at Oxford. Sebastian realizes how fleeting that time was when he wished…

“If it could only be like this always – always summer, always alone, the fruit always ripe and Aloysius [his teddy bear] in a good temper...”

I e-mailed myself that Oxford article yesterday, to save for my next trip, but now I have a question. I heard a discussion just yesterday that if a person has time for only one, then should it be Oxford or Cambridge? The result was Cambridge. So far, I have not been to either and don't have an opinion but I hope others do.

flip a coin - they are very similar experiences. Oxford -- the entire 'city' is much larger than Cambridge. But the part you would visit/walk around is compact and they are very much alike. Beautiful colleges built during the same eras so the looks are similar. River running through w/ punts, botanical gardens, pubs, etc etc.

I personally think there is just a bit more in Oxford - but either one is a great day trip from Oxford.